Waiting on Wednesday #75

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth 
Publication Date: January 18th, 2017

Synopsis: 

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not — their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power — something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.


Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuve, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive — no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive — or to destroy one another.

I LOVED The Divergent Trilogy - yes, even the ending of Allegiant. So, I absolutely can't wait to see what Veronica Roth comes up with in her new duology. However, I do wonder if there will be any romance in this series - because Four was absolutely beautiful so I can only hope! 

Cassie's Waiting On: 

Frostblood (Frostblood #1) by Elly Blake 

Publication Date: January 17, 2017

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a fireblood who must hide her powers of heat and flame from the cruel frostblood ruling class that wants to destroy all that are left of her kind. So when her mother is killed for protecting her and rebel frostbloods demand her help to kill their rampaging king, she agrees. But Ruby's powers are unpredictable, and she's not sure she's willing to let the rebels and an infuriating (yet irresistible) young man called Arcus use her as their weapon. All she wants is revenge, but before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to take part in the king's tournaments that pit fireblood prisoners against frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her and from the icy young man she has come to love.

I'm can't wait for Jocelyn's pick as well, but Frostblood is definitely one on my TBR list! This sounds so unique and different and I can't wait to see how this story plays out.  This is supposed to be a trilogy, and this one already sounds like it will be an amazing start!

Book Review: The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2)

About the Book:
Title: The Vanishing Throne (The Falconer #2)
Author: Elizabeth May
Pub. Date: June 21, 2016
Publisher: Gollancz
Pages: 362
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis:

My name is Lady Aileana Kameron. 

First the fae murdered my mother. Then they destroyed my world.

Now I’m fighting for more than revenge.

Aileana took a stand against the Wild Hunt, and she lost everything: her home, her family and her friends. Held captive by her enemy, and tormenting herself over her failure, escape seems like only the faintest possibility. But when she gets her chance, she seizes it . . . to rejoin a world devastated by war.

The future is bleak. Hunted by the fae, running for her life, Aileana has only a few options left. Trying to become part of a society scarred by – and hiding from – the Wild Hunt; trusting that a fragile alliance with the fae will save her; or walking the most dangerous path at all: coming in to her own powers as the last of the Falconers . . .

Review:

Listen up people...this is the perfect example of how a sequel is done! After a 3 year wait (which was an excruciating torture might I add), Elizabeth May delivered one of the best books (and sequels) I have ever read, and I honestly don't know how I'm going to wait an entire year for the final book to come out. Just a little background before I fully discuss this amazing book....I read The Falconer as soon as it came out back in 2013. I thought it sounded so amazing in fact that I ordered it from the UK and paid the extra money to get in my hands as soon as possible. I devoured that book in 1 sitting because it was simply one of the most enthralling books I had read up until that point. I became a huge fan of Ms. May after reading her book, and was desperate to read the second. Unfortunately, there were some things that prevented the sequel from being released, but I completely understood. We all go through things in life, and I sat in eager anticipation of the day that I could pre-order The Vanishing Throne. When that day finally came, and then the book finally arrived at my door, I can't even tell you the excitement I felt. But then I got worried....what if all of this build up will ruin this book for me. After all, it wouldn't have been the first time this happened. I get overly excited and then am let down. Even though I was beyond ecstatic to read this installment in the Falconer series, I went in with a bit of trepidation. However, as soon as I read the first page and was plunged right back into this world, I knew that I had nothing to fear. Elizabeth May, in all of her beauty and general overall amazing-ness, crafted yet another fantastic read that swept me off my feet and never let me go.

“We burn bright, and we burn out. That’s what it means to be human.” 

This book is hauntingly beautiful and filled to the brim with tragedy, love, and hope. I honestly can't even begin to describe all of the feelings I had while reading this book. I laughed, I cried, and then kept crying, and then stared in shock because of the brutal ending. This is such a gut-wrenching read because you become fully immersed in this world. The characters become your friends, and it didn't even seem like 3 years has gone by since I last met these characters. The character development in this novel is utterly brilliant and some of the best I have ever read. These characters go through so much--the pain and guilt over being apart of the events of the last novel and thus their repercussions, the love they have fought so hard for, and having to deal with the mystery that is their future. Every single emotion was so tangible and it made the experience of reading so much better. I felt every single thing these characters were feeling, and my heart broke over and over again. 

“I’m not a creature of vengeance any more. I’m not just the girl whose gift is chaos. I’m the girl who endured.” 

This book picks up right where we left off in The Falconer, however, every single character is changed drastically. Aileana is forced to bear a heavy weight knowing that her actions caused supreme devastation to her friends, family, and country. And let's just say that the others around her don't make it easy for Aileana either. She is consumed with feelings of guilt and is trying to find a way to accept herself. You easily felt every single moment of despair and remorse, and it made you love her character that much more. The struggle she endures throughout this novel is incredibly realistic, and you forget that she's not an actual person. Aileana simply wants to try and get past the violent feelings she is possessing because of the destruction those feelings have caused, but this journey is not an easy one for her. But through it all, she comes out even better than before, learning to accept not only herself for who she is, but her role in this seemingly grim future.

“Perhaps he’s my curse. Perhaps I’m his weakness. Together we left the world in ruins.” 

Aithinne was such an amazing addition to this story, and I loved the role she had in supporting and helping Aileana. They are similar in many ways, and they helped mend each other. Aileana and Aithinne are both survivors, and allowed the other to see the broken parts of their souls. But both made the other realize that those broken pieces can be made whole again, you just need the right people by your side. Their friendship is truly something special. I fell even harder for Kiaran in this book than I did the last. He remained a mystery to us in the first book, but in this novel, Elizabeth May allowed us to see deeper into his character and explore who exactly Kiaran is. We learn about his past and why he is the way he is. We see his love for Aileana shine through, and it was both heart-melting and heart-breaking. You'll understand why I say this after you read the book. There were so many scenes between them that I sat and re-read because they were so gorgeously written. I adored the vulnerable sides that both Aileana and Kiaran showed to each other, and it is incredibly clear that they are meant to be together. Just as Aithinne helped Aileana through her struggle, Kiaran helped as well. And it made their relationship into something even more beautiful. 

I highly recommend reading this book if you are a fan of the series. Elizabeth May delivered a magnificent sequel that will leave all readers desperate for more. The fae mythology is expanded upon much more than the first book and makes the story utterly enticing to read. Even though the book is a bit eerie/gloomy, it is what was expected after the ending of The Falconer. I honestly can't wait for the third and final novel in this amazing trilogy, and next year can't get here soon enough! Go read this now!!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie

Waiting on Wednesday #74

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 

Poison's Kiss by Breeana Shields 
Publication Date: January 10th, 2017

Synopsis: 

Marinda has kissed dozens of boys. They all die afterward. It s a miserable life, but being a visha kanya a poison maiden is what she was created to do. Marinda serves the Raja by dispatching his enemies with only her lips as a weapon.

Until now, the men she was ordered to kiss have been strangers, enemies of the kingdom. Then she receives orders to kiss Deven, a boy she knows too well to be convinced he needs to die. She begins to question who she s really working for. And that is a thread that, once pulled, will unravel more than she can afford to lose.

This rich, surprising, and accessible debut is based in Indian folklore and delivers a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Hmm, Indian folklore? I can't say that I've ever read or been told any Indian folklore but I would definitely be interested in hearing some. I'll admit that I am a bit wary that this was compared to fans of Victoria Aveyard, but the description just seems so awesome that I am going to overlook that little bit and try it out! 

Cassie's Waiting On: 

Eleventh Grave in the Moonlight (Charley Davidson #11) by Darynda Jones
Publication Date: January 24, 2017

Synopsis:

A typical day in the life of Charley Davidson involves cheating husbands, missing people, errant wives, philandering business owners, and oh yeah...demons, hell hounds, evil gods, and dead people. Lots and lots of dead people. As a part time Private Investigator and full-time Grim Reaper, Charley has to balance the good, the bad, the undead, and those who want her dead. In this eleventh installment, Charley is learning to make peace with the fact that she is a goddess with all kinds of power and that her own daughter has been born to save the world from total destruction. But the forces of hell are determined to see Charley banished forever to the darkest corners of another dimension. With the son of Satan himself as her husband and world-rocking lover, maybe Charley can find a way to have her happily ever after after all. 

After the ending of the 10th book in this series, I'm dying to get my hands on this installment in the Charley Davidson series.  I can't get enough of these characters, and I can't wait to read another hilarious read from Darynda Jones!

Cover Reveal: The Romeo Catchers (The Casquette Girls #2)

Novels and Necklaces is super excited to be apart of the cover reveal for the sequel to The Casquette Girls, The Romeo Catchers! I absolutely loved the first book in this series, and am really excited to check this one out when it comes out next year! Without further ado...here is The Romeo Catchers :)

About the Book:
Title: The Romeo Catchers (The Casquette Girls #2)
Author: Alys Arden
Publisher: Skyscape
Publication date: May 23rd 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Tormented by the fate she condemned her mother to, and by the lies she’s forced to tell to cover it up, Adele scours Storm-ravaged New Orleans for the truth about her family’s magical past. But every turn leads her back to the one person she’s determined to forget: Niccolò Medici. Not even the multitude of enchanted locks on the attic door trapping Nicco within can break their connection.
Sensing Nicco calling to Adele, Isaac tries relentlessly to keep her from exploring paths too dark that would endanger them all. But a new threat is rising: the Medici’s presence has attracted something else to New Orleans…an older enemy, one that will bring Isaac’s haunted past to life, test the witches’ friendships, and jeopardize Adele and Isaac’s blossoming relationship.
In this spellbinding continuation of The Casquette Girls saga, Adele must draw on the past—from seventeenth-century Florence, a time bubbling with alchemy and fraternal betrayal—and sort history from fantasy if she is to have any chance of saving her mother, her coven, and her magic.

Goodreads / Amazon

Sequel to:

Author Bio:

Alys Arden was raised by the street performers, tea leaf-readers, and glittering drag queens of the New Orleans French Quarter. She cut her teeth on the streets of New York and has worked all around the world since. She either talks too much or not at all. She obsessively documents things. Her hair ranges from eggplant to cotton-candy colored. One dreary day in London, she missed home and started writing The Casquette Girls.
Her debut novel garnered over one million reads online before it was acquired by Skyscape in a two book deal. Her second book is due out winter 2016.
Alys is represented by ICM. And she still plans to run away with the circus one star swept night.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

~Cassie

Book Review: It Ends With Us

About the Book:
Title: It Ends With Us
Author: Colleen Hoover
Pub. Date: Aug. 2, 2016
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 367
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis:

SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU THE MOST

Lily hasn't always had it easy, but that's never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She's come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily's life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan - her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

This book contains graphic scenes and very sensitive subject matter.

Review:

“In the future . . . if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again . . . fall in love with me.” 

I'm going to start this review off with this statement: I didn't cry while I was reading this book, but I did cry several days later when I was looking back on Lily's story. That shows how emotionally charged this story is, along with the true power behind Colleen's writing. I'm not going to give away any spoilers because you need to go into the book blind. If you want to know what happens, there are definitely some reviews out there that tell you the big twists and turns. But take my advice and don't spoil this book for yourself. It will lose a lot if you go in knowing exactly what to expect. So seriously, don't do it to yourself. Just let the beauty of Colleen's writing sweep over you and sink in. 

“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.” 

This is honestly not only one of the best reads of 2016, but also one of the most (if not the most) empowering. I want to give this book to every man, woman, and even teenager (it's definitely a NA/adult read) and tell them... READ THIS NOW!Do you want to know why? Because this book carries with it a very strong message, one that shows strength and courage that many people might not have at the time, but after reading will understand and gain. I honestly don't know if there has ever been a time when I was prouder to be reading the heroine's story due to her choices. Ultimately though, Colleen Hoover wrote a book that everyone can take something away from. Colleen always writes such unique stories, and this one is certainly no exception. But the one thing I will say is that this is truly her best book yet.

“Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them. It's not a person's actions that hurt the most. It's the love. If there was no love attached to the action, the pain would be a little easier to bear.” 

Lily's story is one that I never wanted to stop reading. If I know that I'm going to need to read a book in multiple sittings (which was the case with this book), I usually try to find a good place to stop. One in which, nothing major is happening and nobody is facing some drastic/perilous moment. Well you see the problem with this book is the fact that there is literally NO. GOOD. STOPPING. POINT! None! There was never a part where I felt safe in letting this book sit overnight because I knew that the story and the what if's would play endlessly in my mind. So I stayed up and read it all in one sitting because I simply couldn't stop. Lily was someone that I connected to right from the get go. I knew as soon as the book started that I would like her, and that never once stopped while I was reading. However, I didn't realize how much her character would affect me while I was reading. As I said before, after I was finished reading, I couldn't have been prouder of her decisions. The strength she had throughout the story to go through what she did, but also her resolve and conviction just made me constantly cheer her on. Lily is truly one of the most admirable characters that I have ever had the pleasure of reading about, and that admiration goes extraordinarily deep. 

“Life is a funny thing. We only get so many years to live it, so we have to do everything we can to make sure those years are as full as they can be. We shouldn't waste time on things that might happen someday, or maybe even never.” 

I mentioned it briefly above, but this book has a very powerful message, and this message is actually carefully woven into the story from page 1. You obviously don't realize it when you start reading the novel, but it's there when you look back after finishing. And this is also why I'm going to reiterate the importance of going into the story blind, because just as unexpected and emotional it is for the reader to read and witness what Lily goes through, it is even more unexpected and emotional for Lily. This is where this book truly shines, because you as a reader feel like part of the story. There's a very slow burn while reading, one in which we get to know characters and see the develop in the ways that we as humans get to know each other...but then Colleen rips that metaphorical rug out from under all of us, and shocks us with one revelation after another. But you know what? That's exactly how life is sometimes...sometimes you never see things coming in a million years and you have to figure out how to deal with these radical changes you never thought would happen. 

“It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.” 

Where this book really got me though was the meaning of the title. Throughout the entire time I was reading, I kept wondering what the title meant. Because come on...this is Colleen Hoover and literally EVERYTHING has some significance (no matter how small). And when I got to the part of the story where the title finally made sense, guys let me tell you...this had an impact on me like no other. I just sat there with my book in my hands staring at the page for a solid 5 minutes. It is the perfect title for the perfect book. 

“Fifteen seconds. That’s all it takes to completely change everything about a person. Fifteen seconds that we'll never get back.” 

I connected with this book in my own way, and for that I am extraordinarily thankful to Colleen Hoover for even writing this book. The author's note at the end was just as powerful and amazing as the rest of the story, but it shows just how personal this story was for her to write. I applaud Colleen for writing this book and not "making things easy" for the main character or glossing over the "bad parts." This is an incredibly realistic book that makes you realize many things and leaves an imprint on your soul. It's important to remember that everyone must make extraordinarily difficult decisions in their life, and not everyone will agree with them. If this book even empowers one woman to take steps in making an important decision, the Colleen Hoover did her job. And I count myself lucky to have had the honor of reading this story because I am a changed person because of it!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie

Blog Tour: Shadow of a Girl

Welcome to Novels and Necklaces! Today we are featuring Shadow of a Girl by Shannon Greenland. This was truly an amazing book, but I'll save the gushing for my review below.  Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to enter the giveaway before you go :)

About the Book:
Title: Shadow of a Girl
Author: Shannon Greenland
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication date: September 19, 2016
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Use cash and keep moving.
After I ran away from home, these were the two rules that dictated my life. Scoring a job as a roadie fit perfectly for what I needed. Traveling, cash, and life out of the spotlight. But when my path collides with West, the lead singer of Bus Stop, I can’t seem to stay out of his spotlight—especially since we’ll be touring together for an entire year.
West is determined to break down my walls. He won’t give up. And little by little they come crumbling. But if he knew what lurked behind them, he wouldn’t be so eager to get rid of them.
The more time we spend together, the more the lines of our friendship become blurred. He makes me dream of things I never thought possible. But while our friendship has been evolving into a romance, my secrets have been closing in. And just when I’ve decided to reveal my past to West, I’m confronted by it. The cost of my freedom could ruin the life of the guy I love…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks

Author Bio:

Shannon Greenland is the award winning author of several novels including the teen spy series, THE SPECIALISTS, and the YA romance, THE SUMMER MY LIFE BEGAN. Her latest teen novel, SHADOW OF A GIRL, is due out 9.19.16. She also writes thrillers under S. E. Green and lives off the coast of Florida with her very grouchy dog. Find her at www.shannongreenland.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Review:

Shadow of a Girl is an incredibly powerful book about overcoming your fears and being a brave person in the face of many dark moments. This book truly is a great read that I would recommend everyone checking out, as the story stays with you for a long time after reading. Even now, I find myself thinking about these characters and what they have gone through. There are many outstanding moments in this book where our characters truly shine. Ms. Greenland did a fantastic job at mixing suspense and romance into this YA story, and I am excited to read more from her.

Eve, our main character, is a girl who is incredibly brave and has a strength like no other. Even though I was kind of on the right track about what happened to her, it was still shocking to read. You know from the first page that her character has a secret, but the clues are slowly revealed over the course of the story. Her characters felt extraordinarily realistic, and I felt as if I was reading someone's journal instead of fiction. There were many heartbreaking and dark moments, and you could feel Eve's terror in certain scenes in every pore of your body. Reading this book offered an extremely visceral experience, and it made for an even more enjoyable read. One of the highlights of this book is the friendship between Eve and one of the roadies on tour with her, Anne. I love when authors incorporate LGBT characters into their books (since I don't think this is done enough in books today), and Anne was seriously one of the most fun and most open characters, but she knew when Eve needed her space. She looked out for Eve and helped her come out of her shell. Anne allowed Eve to become the person she was truly meant to, and that spoke wonders to me. But Eve also had her friend Bluma, who was crucial in helping Eve escape the terror that she lived with. I wish we could have gotten to know Bluma a little better, but the strength of their friendship shines through anytime she is mentioned or in a scene.

The romance is another great part of this book, and I loved the relationship that blossomed between West and Eve. West was a very mysterious character, and I was itching to know what his story was. When we find out, it is truly heartbreaking. Eve and West are perfect for each other, and are able to help patch up the broken pieces that make up the other's heart. I honestly loved them together and was rooting for them until the very end. I do wish there was a little more of a conclusion with their story (the ending basically just cuts off), but there is a certain beauty to how Ms. Greenland chose to end this novel. And the more I though about it, the more I didn't mind the ending so much. Both characters are at a major turning point in their lives, and the ending was just enough to give readers hope. 

I highly recommend checking out this novel, as it will not disappoint! It is all about overcoming the hurdles in your path and finding your own way in life. The strong message is to stay determined in forging your own path, and remembering that even if you're a bit broken, you don't also have to be defeated.   

Happy reading :)

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Cassie

Waiting on Wednesday #73

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Jocelyn's Waiting On: 

Factory Girl by Josanne La Valley
Publication Date: January 10th, 2017

Synopsis: 

In order to save her family’s farm, Roshen, sixteen, must leave her rural home to work in a factory in the south of China. There she finds arduous and degrading conditions and contempt for her minority (Uyghur) background. Sustained by her bond with other Uyghur girls, Roshen is resolved to endure all to help her family and ultimately her people. A workplace survival story, this gritty, poignant account focuses on a courageous teen and illuminates the value—and cost—of freedom.

This book looks fantastic! This is exactly the type of diverse book that I love reading about. I can't wait until it comes out and I hope that it ends up being as good as it sounds like it will. 

Cassie's Waiting On: 

Poison's Kiss (The Serpent's Promise #1) by Breeana Shields 

Publication Date: January 10, 2017

Synopsis:

Marinda has kissed dozens of boys. They all die afterward. It s a miserable life, but being a visha kanya a poison maiden is what she was created to do. Marinda serves the Raja by dispatching his enemies with only her lips as a weapon.

Until now, the men she was ordered to kiss have been strangers, enemies of the kingdom. Then she receives orders to kiss Deven, a boy she knows too well to be convinced he needs to die. She begins to question who she s really working for. And that is a thread that, once pulled, will unravel more than she can afford to lose.

This rich, surprising, and accessible debut is based in Indian folklore and delivers a story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

This book is being marketed as Sarah J. Maas meets Victoria Aveyard...count me in! This sounds right up my alley, and I can't wait to be introduced to this teen assassin and the boy that causes her to question everything.  Add in the fact that Indian folklore is built into the story...this definitely sounds like a major win! Can't wait to check this one out!!

Blog Tour: Her Hopes and Dreams

Novels and Necklaces is excited to announce the release of the next book in the Ardent Springs series, Her Hopes and Dreams. Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post!!

About the Book:

Title: Her Hopes and Dreams (Ardent Springs #4)

Author: Terri Osburn

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Publication Date: November 15, 2016 

Add to Goodreads

If she'd let him in, 
he'd be the man of her dreams.

As a newly single mother, Carrie Farmer isn’t quite ready to jump back into the dating pool in Ardent Springs—especially since her last marriage was such a disaster. But if anyone could entice her to wade in a bit, it would be her hunky neighbor, Noah Winchester. He’s the perfect man: strong, protective, and smoking hot. But her eyes have deceived her before, and she’s no longer willing to hand over her heart so easily.

After completing several tours in the Middle East, Noah returns to his hometown a very different man. The former soldier’s plan to rest and relax is soon waylaid by the intriguing woman next door and her heart-stealing little girl. Something—or someone—put shadows in Carrie’s lovely eyes, and he’s determined to clear them away. But when hidden demons can no longer be ignored, the couple gets a reminder from an unexpected source that love truly can conquer all.

BUY NOW!

Get your copy of Her Hopes and Dreams today.
Available at:

Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble

Join the Book Tour

Follow the ongoing book tour from Nov 15 - Dec 14, 2016
for sneak peaks, excerpts, fun facts and other never-before-published info
about the book.

Plus:
Get a chance to win $5 Amazon Gift Card
ON EACH TOUR STOP!

Check below for the detailed tour schedule.

Other Books in the Ardent Springs Series

Check out other highly recommended titles by Terri Osburn.
Here are her first 3 books in the Ardent Springs series.

	His First and Last Ardent Springs, Book 1 Sparks fly when high school sweethearts reunite in this first book in Terri Osburn’s Ardent Springs Series. Lorelei and Spencer thought they’d moved on, but find old flames never really die. But can they let the past go to find their happily ever after? Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble
	Our Now and Forever Ardent Springs, Book 2 A whirlwind romance landed Caleb and Snow in a Vegas wedding chapel making the biggest commitment of their young lives, but married life isn’t quite what Snow expected. Caleb has spent eighteen months looking for his runaway bride, and now that he’s found her in Ardent Springs, he isn’t about to let her out of his arms again. Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble
	My One and Only Ardent Springs, Book 3 A desperate teenage mother becomes a common cause for Cooper and Haleigh, who have been friends forever and nothing more. Seeing this as his chance with the girl he’s always loved, Cooper turns on the charm, but Haleigh’s history, as well as her daunting mother, could be too much for even love to overcome. Purchase Links: Amazon Kindle | Amazon Print | Barnes & Noble

Giveaway

Everyone is invited to join the giveaway contest
from November 15 - December 14, 2016.

Lots of prizes to be won!

ON EACH TOUR STOP
Win $5 Amazon Gift Card
(Open to all participants)

Be sure to visit each blog scheduled throughout the tour
for a chance to win $5 Amazon Gift Card on each stop.
Check out the tour schedule below.

TOUR WIDE
One Lucky Winner will bring home
A Red Kindle Fire,4 signed Ardent Series Books in a I-Love-Romance-Novels tote
and more!
(Open to US and Canadian residents only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

- - - - -

---

Tour Schedule

Join the book tour! Get more tidbits, excerpts and other info on Her Hopes and Dreams. Visit all the tour stops for a chances to win $5 Amazon Gift Card on each stop.

November 15

Book Unleashed - Promo, Excerpt

Cali Book Reviews - Review

November 16

Happy Ever After Romance Book Reviews - Review, Excerpt

Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin' - Promo

November 17

Books According to Abby - Review, Excerpt

The Pen and Muse Book Reviews - Promo, Excerpt, Fun Facts

November 18

The Romance Reviews - Review, Excerpt

What is That Book About - Excerpt

Books,Dreams,Life - Promo, Review, Excerpt

November 21

Read Your Writes Book Reviews - Excerpt, Interview

November 22

Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! - Excerpt, Fun Facts

November 23

Dawn's Reading Nook - Excerpt

November 24

Lisa Loves Literature - Promo

November 25

Liz's Reading Life - Promo, Excerpt, Fun Facts

November 28

Tory Richards - Promo, Excerpt

November 29

Diana's Book Reviews - Review, Fun Facts

November 30

KT Book Reviews - Promo

Wander Girl Life - Review

December 1

The Avid Book Collector - Promo, Excerpt

December 2

Romancing the Books and More - Interview

December 5

Spunk & Hunks - Character Interview

December 6

Crazy Beautiful Reads - Promo, Excerpt

December 7

Delish & Yummy Book Boyfriends - Promo, Excerpt

December 8

Maari Loves Her Indies - Promo

December 9

Romantic Reads and Such - Review, Excerpt

December 12

Paulette's Papers - Promo, Excerpt

December 13

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Promo, Excerpt, Fun Facts

December 14

Random Thoughts From a Book Nerd - Promo, Excerpt

---

In partnership with

~Cassie

Book Review: Torn (A Wicked Saga #2)

About the Book:
Title: Torn (A Wicked Saga #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pub. Date: July 19, 2016
Publisher: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pages: 368
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis:

Torn between duty and survival, nothing can be the same.

Everything Ivy Morgan thought she knew has been turned on its head. After being betrayed and then nearly killed by the Prince of the Fae, she’s left bruised and devastated—and with an earth-shattering secret that she must keep at all costs. And if the Order finds out her secret, they’ll kill her.

Then there’s Ren Owens, the sexy, tattooed Elite member of the Order who has been sharing Ivy’s bed and claiming her heart. Their chemistry is smoking hot, but Ivy knows that Ren has always valued his duty to the Order above all else—he could never touch her if he knew the truth. That is, if he let her live at all. Yet how can she live with herself if she lies to him?

But as the Fae Prince begins to close in, intent on permanently opening the gates to the Otherworld, Ivy is running out of options. If she doesn’t figure out who she can trust—and fast—it’s not only her heart that will be torn apart, but civilization itself. 

Review:

“The whole point of me not getting knocked up with the prince’s baby was to keep the gates closed, but we had to open them. Temporarily.
And we’d need the Order for that.
I had a suspicion baby Jesus was more likely to attend dinner tonight wearing suspenders than getting them on board with opening a gate.” 

I don't think it's any secret that I'm the ultimate JLA fangirl...I've loved every single one of her books, and have read them countless times. I don't even need to read a description of a new book (whether it's an addition to a series or a new book in general) to know that I'm definitely going to read it as soon as I can. This book was certainly no exception! I waited 2 long years for this book to come out, and guys...the wait was more than worth it! I devoured this book and never wanted to stop reading. If I wasn't studying for 2 exams while I was reading this, I would have finished this in one sitting. But alas, I had to do well on my exam (grad school is no joke guys!), so this was read over 2 sittings haha. Anyway...there is so much to love about this book, and I honestly don't know how I'm going to survive a year of waiting for the third (and sadly, final) book in this series.

Jen's writing gets better with every single book she writes. There is just something about her writing that sweeps you away, and keeps you hooked until the very end. The character development in this novel was simply fantastic. Every single character, but Ivy the most, grows stronger and more mature. Obviously, Ivy goes through some tough times in this book, and I loved seeing how much stronger she was at the end. This book makes you feel as if these characters are right there next to you, and you endure every single thing that the character is enduring, facing the tragedies that character is facing, and feeling every single damn emotion the character is feeling. Suffice to say, your emotions go on a roller coaster ride while reading this book. 

“I was not alone in any of this. I was only a little torn, but not broken. “Yeah,” I said. “I’ll be okay.” And I was brave.” 

I loved Ivy in this book (not that I didn't love her before, but I loved her even more in this one). You just want to be her best friend, and I admired her resolve and strength in this book more so than the previous installment. Ivy realized what she needed to do, and even though it meant sacrificing herself, it was how it had to happen. When she is with The Prince...I had shivers running down my spine. To say the Prince has the ultimate ick factor is a massive understatement, and I hated every single second that she had to be in his presence (and what he made her do). He's sick and twisted, and just plain creeptastic. I was hoping that there would be someone there to help her and get her out of the Prince's lair. I'm not going to spoil anything though so you'll have to read to find out just how she gets out of the horrifying situation she's in. Ren...my beautiful Ren...was absolutely wonderful in this one. Granted, he's not in the story as much as Wicked, but this is because this is (and always will be) Ivy's story at heart. But the scenes Ren is in, make you love him even more. The lengths he is willing to go to for Ivy are amazing, and I can't get enough of him.

“Ren exhaled heavily. “God, you’re so annoying.”
“So?” Tink hovered in front of the couch, his wings furiously beating the air. “I’m rubber and you’re glue!”
Ren turned to face the little guy. “What?”
“Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you!”
Ren stared at him and then slowly shook his head as he turned back to me. “It’s like living with a two-year-old with the mental capacity of a fifteen-year-old boy.” 

But you know who my favorite character is?? TINK! I love that little (well maybe not so little anymore...) guy! He had me cracking up and he's the one constant in Ivy's life. You can clearly see how much he truly cares about her, and just wants her to be okay. Tink is Ivy's best friend, and even though he's a little...okay a lot...wacky, he'll always be there to protect her. And Tink and Ren's interaction are pure gold (see quote above)! I can't even begin to tell you how classic and epic their banter is, but it helps to lighten the overall mood of the underlying story. 

I honestly can't wait for the last book to come out, and I highly recommend checking this book (along with Wicked if you haven't already) out right away! This book has a little bit of everything: fairies, an extremely sadistic villain, exciting adventures and action, and an epic plot that is unique and leaves you begging for more. JLA's writing is not to be missed, and every single one of her books gives you the ultimate reading high. Definitely check this out now!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie

Book Review: Behind the Hands That Kill (In the Company of Killers #6)

About the Book:
Title: Behind the Hands That Kill (In the Company of Killers #6)
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Pub. Date: May 7, 2016
Publisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 246
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis:

Even professional killers need vacations, but for Victor Faust, his vacation in Venezuela is about more than relaxation and time alone with Izabel Seyfried. It is a chance for him to come clean to Izabel: to tell her the truth about why he sent her to Italy with his brother, the truth behind his interest in Nora Kessler, and about his knowledge of Izabel’s child with her former captor. But before Victor can spill his soul, reality proves that for some killers, vacations are just pipe-dreams.

Attacked and kidnapped, Izabel finds herself stuffed in a suitcase, while Victor later wakes up imprisoned in a cage. In any other situation, Victor would find a way out and save himself and the woman he loves—but not this time. When the identities of their kidnappers are revealed, Victor loses all hope, and begins the mental process of accepting his and Izabel’s last moments together. And Izabel’s final moments of life.

As if his circumstances are not complicated enough, members of Vonnegut’s Order are finally closing in on Victor. And when they do, he comes face-to-face with someone else he once knew and loved, who could either help him, or make a grave situation much worse. Victor’s past has finally caught up with him: the women he has cared for, loved, and killed; the families he has destroyed; the unforgivable crimes he has committed. And now he must face the consequences, and pay the ultimate price for absolution.

But when it is all over, Victor may not have the strength to pick up what is left and move on. Because the event changes him. Because love changed him. And because, unlike before when he thought it is was for the best, he cannot imagine a life without Izabel in it.

Review:

Buckle up boys and girls because shit just got real in this exciting addition to In the Company of Killers series! And boy does this story pack a punch. I had so many feelings while reading this book, and honestly never wanted it to end! I hated myself a bit for finishing this in one sitting, but I just couldn't put this amazing novel down. I had to find out all of Victor's secrets and I had to find out how everything would end. J.A. Redmerski certainly doesn't disappoint, and I can't wait until we get the 7th book in this thrilling series!

There's honestly not much I can say about this book without spoiling anything, and trust me...you want to go into this book as blind as possible. Don't read any review with spoilers because it'll ruin the whole experience for you. But what I can tell you is this book is fan-freaking-tastic, and is not to be missed. We finally get down to the core of who Victor is and understand his actions in the previous books. We see the toll his secrets take on Izabel, and Jessica gets our wheels turning about how these secrets will impact their future (hell, we already see it by the end of the book).

I just want to go on the record and say that Jessica is seriously the queen of plot twists because as a person who is pretty confident in her abilities to predict exactly what's going to happen in a story, this book threw me for a loop completely! I never saw coming what actually happened, and I was sitting there shocked with my mouth wide open as I was reading. Jessica's writing is pure brilliance, and she continuously improves with every single book. And because of that, this is her best story yet! This entire series is so unlike any other book/series I read, and I never cease to be surprised when I read the next installment. I can't urge you enough to check out this series because you're missing out on something unique and amazing by not reading it!! 

And not only does this book end on the mother of all high notes, but there are also teasers for the next several books...and the wait is already KILLING ME! I seriously don't know how I'm going to wait for the next book in this series because I not only want to find out just how all of the events in this book will impact future stories, but I also want to be immersed in the Company's world again. This book (and series in general) is absolutely incredible, and Jessica...if you're reading this, please give us the next book as soon as you can because I'm going through withdrawal!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie